There’s less risk of females developing mammary gland tumours, ovarian or uterine cancer and other dangerous diseases – especially if they’re spayed before their first heat (at six months of age).

They have fewer urges to stray from home. This reduces the risk of them contracting disease, getting injured, being abused or stolen for ‘bait’ for dog fights or ending up at a shelter like the SPCA.

Pregnancy and birth are the most stressful times in a female pet’s life. Physical
condition, health and immunity are weakened. Complications can arise during pregnancy, at birth or after.

Sterilised pets generally live longer, healthier lives.

Neutered males are less inclined to spray or mark their territory.

The chance of testicular cancer is eliminated and the chance of a male developing prostate disease is greatly reduced.

Sterilisation helps modify aggressive behaviour.

Sterilising pets is good for the community

Surveys show that as much as 85% of dogs hit by cars are intact (not neutered) males. Their urge to roam – because they’re not sterilised – often costs them their lives.

Dog and cat fights – which usually result in injury or death – also create a public
disturbance and great distress to pet owners. Sterilised pets are less likely to behave aggressively towards other animals through, amongst other things, territorial disputes.

Stray animals may transmit rabies and other diseases to animals and people.

The capture, impoundment and eventual destruction of countless stray animals costs tax payers and humane organisations like the SPCA millions of Rands every year – let alone the emotional and psychological cost of having to ‘put down’ these animals.

Sterilising pets is good for all animals

Letting pets breed brings more animals into a world that’s already seriously
over-populated. There are already far too many animals and too few homes.

Every litter of kittens and puppies indirectly results in more animals having to be ‘put down’. By allowing your pet to breed, you inadvertently sign the death warrants of other animals – some of which are likely to be the future generations of your own unsterilised pet’s offspring!

Cats breed at 45 times the rate of humans. Dogs are 15 times more prolific. They
don’t need our help to breed. They need our help to reduce numbers until there are enough homes for all dogs and cats.

If you can’t afford the fees of a private vet, contact an animal welfare organisation such as the SPCA which provides affordable or free sterilisation.

Please use the links on the right hand side for more pet care tips

DONATE MONTHLY
by credit card or Internet banking

R100 a month
keeps a dog safe with vaccinations and dipping

R320 a month
feeds one dog or cat

Just R25 a month
adds up to R300 over a year – enough to spay or neuter a pet